Graphical simulation of the dynamic evolution of the software architectures specified in Z

International audienceThis paper provides a graphical simulator that enables to apprehend the dynamic of components-based software architectures based on their formal specification. The simulator initially accepts (as an input) an already validated Z specification using the Z/EVES tool. Then, it generates graphical entities, according to the UML notation, representing software's components and their connectors. Thereafter, the user may generate architecture instances by adding components and connections between them. Architecture instances can be updated by destroying components/ connections or by modifying their interconnections. The user actions are checked through the formal specification of the architectural style